A refillable food container with a drinking spout.

Abstract

Regarding a drinking spout for a container for refillable food. [Solution] The container comprises a body portion for holding pourable food and a drinking spout 200, the proximal end 220 of the base portion 210 of the drinking spout having an opening suitable for receiving pourable food from the body of the container permanently attached to the outer surface of the container and the distal end 230 of the base portion having an opening suitable for drinking from the container, and the respective openings are connected by a conduit. The drinking spout comprises a lid portion 250 initially attached to the base portion to seal the opening at the distal end by a sealing portion suitable for the user to break open so that the opening of the base portion becomes accessible, the drinking spout comprises a connecting portion 270 which is a deflection hinge that permanently attaches the lid portion to the base portion and provides a first angular degree of freedom that allows the lid portion to pivot away from the base portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for injectable food. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container for injectable food provided with a drinking mouth, and a drinking mouth for a container for injectable food.

Background Art

[0002] Containers for injectable food are widely used by consumers around the world. There is a common understanding that such containers are useful for transporting injectable food, particularly beverages, to locations remote from food production sites around the world, while simultaneously maintaining the quality of the packaged food, preventing contamination, and protecting against premature spoilage.

[0003] At the same time, it must be recognized that if such containers are used only once, a large amount of undesirable used empty containers will be discarded. To address such concerns, recycling systems for used containers have been successfully adopted. To make these systems effective, it is desirable that as many parts of such containers as possible be collected at storage locations for used containers.

[0004] 通常,食品容器の外側に取り付けられている、ストロー及びそれらの包装材などの付属品は、容器から分離することができ、その後、容器とは別に、場合によっては指定されたリサイクルシステムから外れて廃棄されることがある。 Accessories such as straws and their packaging materials, which are usually attached to the outside of food containers, can be separated from the containers and then discarded separately from the containers, sometimes outside the designated recycling system.

[0005] European Patent Application Publication No. 1279609A1 describes a re-closable opening device for a package of injectable food products. The opening device includes a neck portion that defines a pouring outlet.

[0006] International Publication No. 2000 / 016668A1 discloses an extendable spout for use with a beverage container. The spout includes a straw structure having two ends and a flow path extending between the two ends through which liquid can pass, and a support joined to the straw structure to support the straw structure, wherein the support is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, and the straw structure is retracted and extended by moving the support.

[0007] European Patent Application Publication No. 0751073A1 discloses a closure for a container of liquid, granular, or powder products. The closure comprises a tubular central body (5a), a hub defined by an upper free edge and a base fixed to the outside of the aforementioned container and around the spout of the container, a cap that is removablely fitted to the hub in a closed state, a sheet element welded around the upper edge of the hub and removable in a state corresponding to the initial use of the packaged product inside the container, and a fastening means suitable for joining the cap to the hub in a closed state. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the prior art, and to provide a drinking spout suitable for use with the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to the removal of a packaged straw by a consumer, the removal of the straw from the packaging material, the insertion of the straw into the body of the package, and the disposal of the empty packaging material. The objective is to provide a container for injectable food that can be easily consumed without the need for disposal.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a container for injectable food that allows consumers to drink conveniently without the risk of leakage of injectable food due to an imperfect seal between the lips and the container.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a container for pourable food in which all components remain attached to each other at all times so that they can be discarded together after use. This aspect is particularly useful for single-serving containers that are intended to be emptied and then discarded in transit within a short period of time.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a drinking spout for a pourable food container that is more hygienic for drinking directly from the container.

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a container for injectable food as described in claim 1.

[0014] The container comprises a first-sealed body portion for holding injectable food and a spout suitable for drinking from the container. The spout is permanently attached to the container. The spout comprises a base portion, the proximal end of which is permanently attached to the container, the proximal end having an opening suitable for receiving injectable food from the body of the container, and the distal end of which has an opening suitable for drinking injectable food from the container, and the proximal and distal openings are connected by a conduit for injectable food. The spout comprises a lid portion initially attached to the base portion so as to seal the opening at the distal end by a breakable seal portion, the seal portion being suitable for the user to break so that the opening of the base portion becomes accessible. The spout comprises a connecting portion permanently attached to the base portion, thereby a deflection hinge that provides a first angular degree of freedom allowing the lid portion to pivot away from the base portion after the breakable seal portion has been broken.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a drinking spout suitable for use in a container for injectable food according to the present invention.

[0016] Examples of the present invention, including these and other embodiments, features, and advantages, will become apparent and clarified from the following description of examples of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container for injectable food according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] An enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a drinking spout suitable for use in a container for pourable food according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an example side view of the drinking spout. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container for injectable food according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a more detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the drinking spout of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an exemplary side view of the drinking spout of the present invention. [Figure 7-8] Figure 7 shows a further side view of the exemplary drinking spout of Figures 5 and 6 when the lid is in the drinking position, and Figure 8 shows a further perspective view of the exemplary drinking spout of Figures 5 and 6 when the lid is in the drinking position. [Figure 9] An exemplary side view of the drinking spout of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] In the figures, features of the exemplary embodiments shown are indicated by the following reference numerals. Similar features in different exemplary embodiments may be given the same reference numerals. 100 containers for injectable food 200 drinking spout 210 Base part 220 Proximal end 225 proximal end portion 230 distal end 235 distal end portion 240 flange of the base portion 250 lid portion 260 flange of the lid portion 270 connecting portion 280 holder 290 anchor portion 300 body portion 310 inner surface of the body portion

[0019] Detailed Description of the Invention Here, specific examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] The present invention relates to a container for injectable foods.

[0021] As used herein, the term "container for injectable foods" refers to any object for holding or transporting injectable foods.

[0022] As used herein, the term "injectable foods" refers to any product for human or animal consumption that can be injected through an appropriately sized opening from a container. Injectable foods can be liquid, fluid, granular, or the like. Injectable foods may include solid pieces of the injectable food together with the liquid or fluid portion of the injectable food.

[0023] The container includes a first sealed body portion for holding injectable foods before consumption by a consumer. The seal of the body portion is intended to prevent leakage of the injectable foods and protect the injectable foods from contamination.

[0024] The main body of the container may have a flat top surface suitable for holding the spout. The flat top may provide a planar surface to which the spout can be conveniently attached. If the top surface and the proximal end of the spout are planar, axial rotation of the spout about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the proximal end is not necessary to find a suitable orientation for attachment. When the container is in its upright position, the planar top surface may be parallel to the horizontal plane. When the container is in its upright position, the planar top surface may be parallel to the horizontal plane. When the container is in its upright position, the planar top surface may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0025] The container has a spout suitable for drinking from the container, preferably for drinking directly from the container, without the use of additional accessories for introducing injectable food, such as a straw.

[0026] The drinking spout comprises a base portion and a lid portion. The base portion faces the outer surface of the container body. Preferably, at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, of the base portion is located outside the outer surface of the container body. Placing part of the drinking spout inside the outer surface of the body only reduces the internal volume of the container without providing any functional advantage for drinking. Only those portions of the drinking spout that functionally contribute to the attachment of the drinking spout to the container body may, advantageously, be positioned inside the outer surface. The lid portion faces away from the container and is directed towards the consumer.

[0027] The proximal end of the spout is permanently attached to the container. As used herein, the term “permanently attached” means that the spout is not intended to be separated from the body of the container during normal use. The spout may be formed as an integral part of the container. The spout may be intended to be discarded with the container. Permanent attachment can be achieved by various technical means, such as adhesive, heat, or ultrasonic bonding. Permanent attachment may be achieved by molding the spout directly into the material. Permanent attachment may be achieved by molding the spout directly into the material such that, after molding, a portion of the spout is positioned on the inner surface of the body and the other portion of the spout is positioned on the outer surface of the body. A preferred molding technique is injection molding, more specifically, micro-injection molding. The proximal end of the spout may be permanently attached to the inner surface of the container. The proximal end of the spout may be permanently attached to the outer surface of the container. The proximal end of the spout may be permanently attached to both the inner and outer surfaces of the container.

[0028] The permanent attachment of the drinking spout to the container may be configured so that at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, and even more preferably at least 95% by weight of the drinking spout can be separated from the container after intended use, for example, after disposal or during container recycling. Removal may be achieved by chemical separation, thermal separation, or mechanical separation.

[0029] During use, the pourable food is intended to flow from the main body through the spout to the consumer's mouth. The proximal end of the spout has an opening suitable for receiving the pourable food from the main body of the container. Before use, the seal on the main body may need to be broken or punctured by the consumer. The main body may have one or more areas, such as pre-layered holes and thinner sections of the container wall, suitable for convenient opening by the consumer. The spout opening and inner surface may be designed to allow for easy pouring without obstructing the food being poured. The proximal end opening may be aligned with those areas of the main body suitable for convenient opening by the consumer.

[0030] The distal end of the base portion of the spout has an opening suitable for drinking injectable food from the container. The purpose of such adaptation is to make it convenient for the intended consumer to drink liquid food from the container through the spout. The specific design of the container may be selected depending on the type of food (viscosity, granular content, etc.), as well as the expected consumer (adults, children, the elderly, etc.) and the expected usage situation (sitting at a table, riding a bicycle, running, etc.). The term “drink” as used herein refers to putting (liquid) into the mouth and swallowing. The term “drink” as used herein is distinguished from the term “pour” which refers to letting (liquid) flow from the container in a steady stream. A spout may be suitable for pouring injectable liquid, but not all spouts are suitable for drinking.

[0031] Drinking injectable food from a container ensures that the connection formed between the distal end of the spout and the consumer's mouth does not leak little, or preferably no, during the drinking process. A secure connection is required. For example, leakage can be avoided if the consumer's lips can comfortably wrap around the distal end, forming a substantially liquid-tight connection. The geometric shape of the mouthpiece plays an important role and must be designed to match the natural shape of the consumer's lips at the drinking position. The height of the mouthpiece, which is the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, is also important to provide sufficient surface area for a lip-top seal connection with the base of the mouthpiece.

[0032] The spout is permanently attached to the container body. Due to the permanent attachment, the spout cannot be easily separated from the container and is therefore likely to be discarded together with the container. The spout may be attached to the inner surface of the container body. Inner surface attachment may be achieved by attaching the anchor portion to the inner surface of the container body, thereby connecting the anchor portion to the base portion of the spout. Alternatively, the spout may be attached to the outer surface of the container body. Outer surface attachment may be achieved by attaching the flange portion to the outer surface of the container body, thereby connecting the flange portion to the proximal end of the base portion of the spout. Alternatively, the spout may be attached to both the outer and inner surfaces of the container body.

[0033] The proximal and distal openings of the base are connected by conduits for injectable food. The conduits allow the injectable food to flow from the main body of the container through the spout to the consumer's mouth. The inner surface of the spout base forms the conduits. The cross-section of the conduits may remain substantially the same along their length, or it may be varied to improve the user's drinkability. The shape and size of the cross-section may be adapted to the type and characteristics of the injectable food.

[0034] The base portion of the drinking spout may have a rigid structure. As used herein, the term “rigid structure” refers to a structure that remains substantially unchanged during use of the container. “Use” is the time interval from the breaking of the breakable seal portion until the consumer begins drinking from the base portion, or preferably until the consumer finishes consuming the pourable food from the container. More specifically, the relative positions of the various elements of the base portion, such as the proximal and distal ends, to each other, to the outer surface of the container, or to the area of ​​attachment of the drinking spout to the outer surface of the container may remain substantially unchanged. The drinking spout may have only a lid portion of a single component that is movable relative to the base portion.

[0035] Any portion of the conduit, including the proximal and distal ends, may be provided with a membrane having a re-closable opening that opens under pressure. The membrane reduces or even eliminates the tendency for the injectable food to leak out of the container under the influence of gravity, depending on the viscosity of the injectable food. The user may apply pressure to the injectable food in the container, for example, by squeezing the container tightly. The pressurized food may then open the re-closable opening in the membrane, allowing preferably a controllable amount of injectable food to be released from the bottle through the mouthpiece.

[0036] The drinking spout comprises a lid portion, preferably directly attached to the base portion, which is initially attached to the base portion, so as to seal the opening at the distal end by a breakable sealing portion, the sealing portion being suitable for the user to break so that the opening of the base portion becomes accessible. As used herein, the term “directly attached” means that the lid portion is movable in any degree of freedom without moving the base portion as well. When directly attached, the lid portion and the base portion can only be moved together.

[0037] For example, the seal portion is designed to be destructible so that the consumer can conveniently break the seal portion by pulling the lid portion away from the base portion without damaging either the lid portion or the base portion, and without removing the lid portion from the base portion. The seal portion may be detachable by pulling the lid portion away from the base portion. The detachable seal portion may be detachable by tearing at least a portion of the seal portion. The seal portion may be completely torn. The lid portion may, as a result, no longer be directly attached to the base portion.

[0038] The lid portion may be liquid-tightly sealed at the opening to prevent leakage before the container is used. In this case, the initial seal of the body portion includes a seal formed between the lid portion and the base portion. The seal of the lid portion to the base portion may be formed so that the lid portion acts as a sanitary cover for the distal end, preferably the distal end portion, of the base portion, without the lid portion needing to be completely liquid-tight. The base portion may be positioned so that the drinking spout is immediately available for drinking after the breakable seal portion is broken and moved away from the lid portion. The lid portion and base portion are positioned so that the spout can be opened in one step by breaking the breakable seal portion.

[0039] After the destructible seal portion is broken by the user, the lid portion remains permanently attached to the container by the connecting portion. The lid portion attaches to the base portion. The connecting portion may be joined to the lid portion and the edge of the lid, or to the flange portion of the lid portion. The connecting portion may be joined to the proximal end portion of the base portion, or to the flange portion associated with the proximal end portion of the base portion.

[0040] The connecting portion is flexible and allows the lid portion to move away from the opening at the distal end. When the lid portion moves away, the consumer can easily access the opening before drinking. The connecting portion has at least one corresponding degree of freedom to allow the lid portion to move away from the opening. The degree of freedom may coincide with the major axis of the opening so that the lid portion can easily pivot away from the opening. The connecting portion may take the form of a deflection hinge. The term “deflection hinge,” as used herein, refers to any flexible element (or combination of elements) designed to substantially correspond to a particular degree of freedom. The longitudinal dimension of the connecting element is defined as the distance between the connection point with the lid portion and the connection point with the base portion, and is measured along the connecting element, preferably along the centerline of the connecting element. When the connecting portion is bent, the longitudinal dimension follows the curved geometric shape of the connecting portion and is not linear. The short-range dimension of the connecting portion is defined as the dimension parallel to the plane defined by the proximal end of the base portion. At each point, the thickness dimension of the connecting portion is defined as a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse dimensions. The connecting element may restrict the degrees of freedom of the lid portion relative to the base portion so that the distance of the lid portion from the base portion in the longitudinal dimension remains substantially unchanged.

[0041] A suitable flexible hinge for connecting the lid portion to the base portion may take the form of a pin bend (a thin rod or cylinder of material between connection points). The cross-section of the rod or cylinder may vary along the longitudinal dimension of the connection portion, or at least 25%, preferably 50%, and more preferably 75% of the longitudinal dimension may remain substantially unchanged. A suitable pin bend has a circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, rectangular, polygonal, or similar cross-section along its central portion, which is an intermediate portion along the longitudinal dimension (at each point taken perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension). The central portion has a longitudinal dimension that is at least 25%, preferably 50%, and more preferably 75% of the longitudinal dimension of the connection portion. The longer dimension of the elliptical or rectangular cross-section may be oriented toward the short dimension. The connection portion may have a longitudinal dimension that is at least three times longer than its short dimension or its thickness.

[0042] Alternatively, the flexible hinge may take the form of a blade bend (a thin sheet of material between connection points). Alternatively, the flexible hinge may take the form of a notched bend (a thin cut on both sides of a thicker portion of material). It may take the form of a notched shape.

[0043] The flexibility of the connection provides a first angular degree of freedom that allows the lid portion to pivot away from the base portion after the breakable seal portion has been broken. “Pivoting,” as used herein, refers to rotational motion around a given pivot point. The rotational motion may be two-dimensional (moving along the surface of a sphere, so the position is defined by a first and a second angular degree of freedom, while the distance to the pivot point is fixed) or one-dimensional (moving along a circular curve, so the position is defined by a first angular degree of freedom, while the distance to the pivot point is fixed). The pivot point around which the lid portion pivots may be the point where the connection portion is attached to the base portion. The distance from the pivot point to the lid portion, more precisely to the center of gravity of the lid portion, may be constant or vary during the pivoting motion.

[0044] The pivot motion may be rotation around an axis that is lateral to the connecting portion and parallel to the plane defined by the proximal end of the base portion. Such an axis may be tangent to the base portion at the point where the connecting portion is attached to the base portion. This distance from the axis to the cover portion during the rotational motion may remain constant or may vary.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container 100 for injectable food according to the present invention. The container comprises a first-sealed body portion 300 for holding injectable food and a drinking spout 200 suitable for drinking from the container.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a more detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the spout 200 of the present invention. The spout 200 is permanently attached to the outer surface of the container. The spout comprises a base portion 210, and a proximal end portion 225 having its proximal end 220 of the base portion is permanently attached to the outer surface of the container. The base portion of the spout may include a flange 240 connected to the proximal end to improve attachment to the outer surface of the container and sealing with the outer surface of the container. The proximal end 220 has an opening suitable for receiving pourable food from the body of the container, and the distal end portion 235 having its distal end 230 of the base portion has an opening suitable for drinking pourable food from the container, and the proximal end opening and the distal end opening are connected by a conduit for pourable food. The drinking spout includes a lid portion 250 initially attached to the base portion so as to seal the opening at the distal end by a breakable sealing portion, the sealing portion being suitable for the user to break so that the opening of the base portion becomes accessible, and the lid portion 250 remains permanently attached to the container by a connecting portion 270 after the breakable sealing portion has been broken by the user.

[0047] The lid portion may be pivotable between a first position for protecting the base portion and a second position for drinking. In the first position, the function of the lid portion is to protect and, if applicable, seal the distal end of the base portion when the user is not drinking from the container. When in the first position, the lid portion may be in sealing contact with the distal end of the base portion. The base portion may be designed so that it must deform slightly and reversibly when the lid portion is pushed into the first position. In this case, the lid portion may be held in the first position by friction and restoring force. When moved to the second position, the distal end of the base portion is available for drinking from there. The lid portion may be moved from the first position to the second position and returned by pivoting along the first degree of freedom. The minimum distance between the base portion and the lid portion must be selected to allow convenient drinking from the spout. The minimum distance may preferably be at least 5 mm, and more preferably at least 8 mm.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a side view of the exemplary drinking spout 200 of Figure 2 when the lid portion 250 is in a first position protecting the distal end 230 of the base portion 210. The connecting portion 270 connects the lid portion 250 to the base portion 210.

[0049] The spout may further include a holder for holding the lid portion in the drinking position while engaged with the lid portion or connecting portion. The lid portion does not have to remain in the second position while the user is drinking from the spout. The lid portion may move due to gravity, or due to restoring forces arising from the connecting portion, or due to inertial forces as a result of the user's movement while drinking. Therefore, it may be beneficial to provide a holder for holding the lid portion in the second position while the user is drinking. The holder is preferably designed to remain in the second position or near the second position so as to prevent the lid from returning to the first position, and so as to remain able to drink continuously and conveniently from the container. For this purpose, the holder may exert a retaining force on the connecting portion or lid portion. The holder may be in contact with the connecting portion or lid portion in order to exert a retaining force. Surface contact between the holder and the connecting portion or lid portion may create a frictional force that holds the connecting portion or lid portion in the second part, along with a restoring force that pushes the connecting portion or lid portion toward the holder.

[0050] The holder may be positioned together with its base in a plane defined by the proximal end of the base portion. The holder may be positioned near the point where the connecting portion joins to the base portion. The holder may be positioned radially outward from this point with respect to the central axis of the base portion so that when the holder engages with the lid portion or the connecting portion, the holder is configured to hold the lid portion away from the base portion. The radial distance between the joint of the connecting portion with the base portion and the base of the holder may be 10% to 50%, preferably 20% to 40%, of the longitudinal dimension of the connecting portion.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container 100 for injectable food according to the present invention. The container 100 is similar to the container shown in Figure 1, except that the drinking spout further comprises a holder 280 for holding the lid portion in a drinking position while engaged with the lid portion or connecting portion. In this example, the holder 280 has the form of a hook.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a more detailed illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the drinking spout 200 of the present invention shown in Figure 4. The drinking spout 200 is similar to the drinking spout shown in Figure 2, but here further includes a holder 280 for holding the lid portion in a drinking position while the holder is engaged with the lid portion or connecting portion. In this example, the holder 280 has the form of a hook.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a side view of the exemplary drinking spout 200 of Figure 5 when the lid portion 250 is in a first position protecting the distal end 230 of the base portion 210. The connecting portion 270 connects the lid portion 250 to the base portion 210. The holder 280 is positioned outside the connecting portion, to which the connecting portion is attached to the base portion 210.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a side view of the exemplary drinking spout 200 of Figures 5 and 6 when the lid portion 250 is in a second position that allows the user to drink from it conveniently, and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the exemplary drinking spout 200 of Figures 5 and 6 when the lid portion 250 is in a second position that allows the user to drink from it conveniently. The lid portion 250 is pivoted to the rear, and the connecting portion 270 is engaged with the holder 280. The distal end 230 of the base portion is conveniently exposed for drinking.

[0055] The deflection hinge of the connecting portion may provide a second degree of freedom that allows the lid portion to move away from the pivot plane defined by the first degree of freedom. The pivot plane of the first angle of freedom is between the connecting portion and the lid portion as the lid moves according to the first degree of freedom. The pivot plane may be defined by the trajectory of the mounting point as it moves. The pivot plane may further comprise the center point of the base portion. The pivot plane may further comprise the mounting point between the connecting portion and the base portion. The pivot plane may further comprise the trajectory of the center point of the lid portion as it moves along the first angle of freedom.

[0056] Considering this pivot plane, the deflection hinge may provide a second degree of freedom that allows the lid portion to move along this second degree of freedom. Moving along this second degree of freedom may include moving the mounting point between the connector and the lid portion away from the pivot plane. Moving along this second degree of freedom may include moving the center point of the lid portion between the connector and the lid portion away from the pivot plane. Moving along this second degree of freedom may include rotating the lid portion around an axis that is not parallel to the pivot axis of the first angular degree of freedom.

[0057] The second degree of freedom may be secondary to the first degree of freedom. The preferred movement of the lid portion may be along the first degree of freedom. The equilibrium position of the lid portion may be along the first degree of freedom at a point between the first position and the second position. The equilibrium position may be on the pivot plane of the first degree of freedom. The force required for the movement of the lid portion along the second degree of freedom may be greater than the force required for the movement of the lid portion along the first degree of freedom, at least for this portion of the movement. The connecting portion may exert a restoring force on the lid portion that forces it back to the pivot plane of the first degree of freedom.

[0058] The holder may be positioned such that it prevents the lid from moving along a first degree of freedom. The holder may be positioned so that the lid can only be moved in and out of the engaged position by moving the lid along a second degree of freedom. The holder may be positioned so that the lid can only be moved in and out of the engaged position by moving the lid around the holder using the second degree of freedom.

[0059] The holder may have a fixed configuration relative to the base portion. The holder may also be flexible so that, by applying force, the user can move the holder aside to pivot the lid portion back to a first position along a first degree of freedom.

[0060] The connection may provide an induced restoring force, such that the lid portion is returned to the pivot plane defined by the first degree of freedom. Such a restoring force reduces the risk that the lid may unintentionally move from the second position and, therefore, in some cases, return to the first position, interfering with the user while drinking. The equilibrium position of the connection portion with respect to the second degree of freedom may be such that the connection always provides a restoring force that forces the lid portion and the connection portion back to the pivot plane of the first degree of freedom. When the lid portion is in the second position, this restoring force may contribute to maintaining the lid portion in the second position and ensuring that the lid portion remains engaged with the hook.

[0061] The spout of a container for injectable food according to the present invention may be suitable for drinking by suction. Suction requires that the consumer's lips be positioned around the distal end of the spout to form an airtight seal. The consumer suctions the injectable food from the spout by creating a depression in their mouth. The spout of a container for injectable food according to the present invention may be suitable for drinking by squeezing the container tightly. Squeezing the container tightly requires that the material forming the body of the container is sufficiently flexible and bendable, for example, a typical laminated packaging material comprising a cardboard layer. When the container is squeezed tightly, the internal volume of the body portion decreases, and the injectable food is pushed out of the body portion through the spout. The container of the present invention may be further suitable for drinking by a combination of suction and squeezing the container. The spout of a container for injectable food according to the present invention may be suitable for drinking by pouring from the container. It may be suitable for drinking. Pouring may be achieved by lifting the main body above the opening of the base of the drinking spout. Thus, the pourable food flows from the container through the drinking spout to the consumer's mouth under the action of gravity.

[0062] The conduit of the drinking spout may be sized to restrict the flow of injectable food so as to be comfortable for human consumption. The appropriate dimensions may depend on the type and viscosity of the injectable food being consumed, as well as whether the food contains particles such as fruit pieces.

[0063] The outer surface of the distal end of the base portion of the drinking spout may have an elliptical shape in horizontal cross-section. The elliptical shape corresponds to a convenient position of the lips while drinking. The major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the outer surface of the distal end may be aligned horizontally when the container is positioned in the intended drinking position. Having an ellipse or another round circumference on the outer surface of the distal portion allows for a convenient fit of the lips to the drinking spout for comfortable drinking.

[0064] The proximal end portion of the base of the spout may have an elliptical or other circular shape in cross-section along the plane defined by the proximal end. Such a design can facilitate the convenient construction and manufacture of the spout. The internal conduit of the spout may also have an elliptical or other circular internal cross-section. The major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the proximal end portion may be aligned with the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the outer surface of the distal end portion. The major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the proximal end portion may be aligned with the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the internal conduit of the spout.

[0065] The mounting point between the connecting portion and the base portion may be aligned with the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the proximal end portion. The major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the proximal end portion may be aligned with the pivot plane of the first degree of freedom of the lid portion.

[0066] The distal end of the base portion of the drinking spout may have a frustoconical shape in horizontal cross-section, tapering toward the distal end. This shape allows for a comfortable and effective seal between the consumer's lips and the distal end while drinking. The distal end may have a smooth surface to enable an effective seal with the lips. Since the lid portion cannot be screwed onto the distal end portion while permanently attached to the base portion, the distal end portion may not have threads.

[0067] The distal end of the base portion of the drinking spout may be sized to comfortably seal with the consumer's lips while drinking. The distal end may have dimensions that conform to the shape and size of the intended user's mouth. The height of the distal end may be selected so that the consumer's lips can conveniently form a seal with the distal end. The height of the distal end is the orthogonal distance of the distal end opening to the outer surface of the main body portion. The height of the distal end port may be at least 4 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, even more preferably at least 8 mm, and even more preferably at least 10 mm.

[0068] The breakable seal portion may be positioned at least partially below the distal end portion or at least below the distal end of the base portion. When the breakable seal portion is positioned below, the distal end portion is protected from contamination and soiling before the seal portion is broken. Thus, after breaking the sealable portion, the consumer can drink from a more hygienically maintained drinking spout. The breakable seal portion may be positioned entirely below the distal end, completely surrounding the distal end. The breakable seal portion may be positioned at least partially below the distal end portion of the base portion. Preferably, the breakable seal portion may be positioned such that the distal end, including at least a portion of the distal end portion, is covered by the lid portion before the breakable seal portion is broken.

[0069] The lid portion may include a flange portion that extends beyond the dimensions of the distal end in a horizontal plane, or in a plane defined by the distal end, or in a plane defined by the proximal end. Contamination and soiling of the distal end portion of the drinking spout base must be minimized as much as possible so that consumers can drink hygienically from the container. Such soiling and contamination may occur, for example, when the container is handled while it is on the shelf before it is sold. Having a flange formed by the lid portion reduces the likelihood that the fingertips of a person handling the container will come into contact with the distal end portion of the drinking spout base that will ultimately come into contact with the consumer's lips.

[0070] The lid may also be provided with a pull tab for easy opening by the user. When the pull tab is pulled, the user may break a breakable seal, thereby exposing the distal end of the base portion of the drinking spout.

[0071] The proximal end of the base portion may be larger than the distal end, and the base portion has a frustoconical shape between the proximal and distal ends. This configuration allows for a good connection of the base portion to the outer surface of the container body. This good connection facilitates the permanent attachment of the drinking spout to the outer surface of the container body.

[0072] The proximal end of the base portion may be provided with a flange portion. The flange portion can increase the surface area of ​​the base portion attached to the body of the container, and consequently increase the strength of the attachment. The flange portion may be located in the same plane defined by the proximal end of the base portion. The flange portion may be located along the outer circumference or the entire circumference of at least a portion of the proximal end of the base portion. The spread of the flange parallel to the plane defined by the proximal end is substantially larger than the spread of the flange perpendicular to the plane defined by the proximal end, and therefore the flange portion has a substantially planar configuration oriented parallel to the plane defined by the proximal end, and thus parallel to the outer surface of the container to which the drinking spout is attached. The surface size of the flange further reduces the possibility that the consumer's lips may come into contact with the packaging material instead of the drinking spout. The packaging may be perceived by consumers as less hygienic. The connecting portion may be connected to the base portion through the flange portion.

[0073] Figures 2 and 5 show enlarged perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a drinking spout suitable for use in a container for pourable food according to the present invention. The lid portion comprises a flange portion 260. The proximal end portion 235 of the base portion 210 comprises a flange portion 240.

[0074] The body of the container may be made from a laminated packaging material comprising a layer of cardboard and one or more layers of polymer material. The cardboard layer can provide structural stability to the package. The polymer layer can make the laminated packaging material sufficiently liquid-impermeable so that the container made from the laminated packaging material serves as a container for pourable food. Team “cardboard”, as used herein, refers to any material comprising cellulose fibers or modified cellulose fibers as a component. The cellulose fiber or modified cellulose fiber content may be sufficiently high so that the fiber content is appropriate for the material properties of the cardboard. Suitable cardboard layers are well known in the art. In principle, any packaging material or combination of packaging materials that is capable of holding pourable food when a container is formed is suitable for the present invention.

[0075] The container may be made from a laminated packaging material having an oxygen barrier layer, such as aluminum or a suitable polymer-based material.

[0076] The drinking spout may be positioned above the opening in the main body of the container. The opening may be created during the manufacturing of the container body before the drinking spout is added. The drinking spout is located on the outer surface of the main body. The opening may be glued over it. The drinking spout may be inserted through the opening from the inside and the glued part to the inner surface of the container body.

[0077] Alternatively, the drinking spout may be positioned above a portion of the container body that is suitable for easy opening. The easy-open portion may be created in the laminated packaging material by omitting at least one layer, such as a cardboard layer. The easy-open portion may be created by weakening the material around at least a portion of it, for example, by puncturing or partially cutting the material. The lid portion may be connected to the easy-open portion so that when the lid portion is pulled back to break the seal, the easy-open portion also opens as a result of the same pulling motion.

[0078] The spout may further comprise an anchor portion, positioned on the inner surface of the body portion opposite the base portion and connected to the base portion. In this configuration, the packaging material forming the body portion is sandwiched between the proximal end of the base portion and the anchor portion. When the anchor portion is present, it may not be necessary to attach the spout to the body of the container by any other means other than sandwiching the filling material between the base portion and the anchor portion. The spout, comprising the lid portion, the base portion, the connecting portion, and the anchor portion, may be manufactured as a single unit. The spout may be directly injection molded as a single unit directly onto the packaging material. The material forming the spout may be prepared specifically for that purpose, or may flow through the packaging material during the injection molding process through any designated conduit, which may move through the material under the action of the pressure exerted on the material under the injection process. Alternatively, the anchor portion may be manufactured separately from the other parts of the spout. The anchor portion may then be connected to form the base of the portion by a snap connection that perforates the packaging material during the application process.

[0079] Figure 9 shows an exemplary side view of the drinking spout of the present invention. The drinking spout (200) is positioned on the inner surface of the main body portion (310) opposite the base portion (210) and further comprises an anchor portion (290) connected to the base portion.

[0080] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spout suitable for use in a container for pourable food according to the present invention. Such a spout may be manufactured separately from the filling and sealing of the body portion of the container. The spout may be added before or after the filling and sealing process. The spout may be added from the inside through a hole in the material forming the body portion. The spout is then permanently attached to the inner surface of the body portion, for example, by attaching the flange of the base portion to the inner surface. In this configuration, the spout forms part of the initial seal of the body portion. Alternatively, the spout may be permanently attached to the outer surface of the body portion. This process may be performed before or after the filling and sealing of the body portion. The spout may be placed over a pre-existing opening in the body portion, in which case the spout contributes to the initial seal of the body portion. The spout may be added to a portion of the body portion that is suitable for easy opening, such as a pre-laminated hole.

[0081] One preferred method for manufacturing the container of the present invention is to manufacture the spout, along with all its components, by injection molding, or more specifically, micro-injection molding. The spout is attached to the packaging material before or after the container is filled with pourable food and subsequently sealed. A preferred material for injection molding the spout is polyethylene.

[0082] The mouthpiece may comprise at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, or preferably 95% by weight, and more preferably 98% by weight, of one type of polymer, such as polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), polyester (e.g., PET or PEF). The mouthpiece may be made from renewable resources instead of fossil fuel-based resources. It may be made from polymers obtained from natural resources. The mouthpiece may be made from compostable, industrially compostable, biodegradable, or industrially biodegradable polymers. The mouthpiece may also be made from fibrous materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymer composites).

[0083] The present invention has been described above with respect to specific examples. However, other examples not described above are equally possible within the scope of the invention. Different features and steps of the invention may be combined in other combinations not described above. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0084] More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, sizes, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and that actual parameters, sizes, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the teachings of the present invention are used.

Claims

1. In a container (100) for injectable food, The container comprises a first sealed body portion (300) for holding the injectable food, The container is equipped with a drinking spout (200) suitable for drinking from the container, The drinking spout comprises a base portion (210) having a proximal end (220) and a distal end (230), The proximal end (220) is permanently attached to the container. The proximal end (220) has an opening suitable for receiving the injectable food from the body of the container, The distal end (230) has an opening suitable for drinking the injectable food from the container. The opening at the proximal end and the opening at the distal end are connected by a conduit for the injectable food, The aforementioned drinking spout includes a lid portion (250), The lid portion (250) is initially attached to the base portion such that the opening is sealed at the distal end by a breakable sealing portion, the sealing portion being suitable for the user to break so that the opening in the base portion becomes accessible. The drinking spout comprises a connecting portion (270) that permanently attaches the lid portion to the base portion, thereby providing a flexible hinge that, after the breakable seal portion is broken, the connecting portion provides a first angular degree of freedom that allows the lid portion to pivot away from the base portion. Characterized by, A container (100) for injectable food.

2. The lid portion (250) is parallel to the surface defined by the proximal end (220), and the connecting portion (270) is pivotable about an axis which is tangent to the base portion (210) at the point where it is attached to the base portion. A container (100) for injectable food according to claim 1.

3. The lid portion (250) is pivotable between a first position for protecting the base portion (210) and a second position for drinking. A container (100) for injectable food according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The drinking spout (200) is further provided with a holder (280) for holding the lid portion in a drinking position while it is engaged with the lid portion or the connecting portion. A container (100) for injectable food according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The deflection hinge provides a second degree of freedom that allows the lid portion (250) to move away from the pivot plane defined by the first degree of freedom of angle, The holder (280) is positioned such that the lid portion can be moved to the engagement position only by moving the lid portion along the second degree of freedom. A container (100) for injectable food according to claim 4.

6. The connecting portion provides an induced restoring force, and such a lid portion is returned to the pivot plane defined by the first angle of freedom. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Outer surface of the distal end portion (235) of the base portion (210) of the drinking spout (200) However, in a cross-section along the plane defined by the proximal end (220), it has an elliptical shape. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The proximal end portion (225) of the base portion (210) of the drinking spout has an elliptical shape in horizontal cross-section. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The drinking spout has a truncated cone shape in horizontal cross-section, with the distal end portion (235) of the base portion (210) tapering towards the distal end (230). A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The distal end portion (235) of the base portion (210) of the drinking spout (200) is sized to comfortably seal against the consumer's lips while drinking. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The destructible sealing portion is located below the distal end (230) of the base portion (210). A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The lid portion (250) includes a flange portion (260) that extends beyond the dimensions of the distal end in the plane defined by the distal end. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The proximal end (220) of the base portion (210) is larger than the distal end (230), and the base portion (210) has a frustoconical shape between the proximal end and the distal end. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The container is made from a laminated packaging material comprising a layer of cardboard. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The container is made from a laminated packaging material having an oxygen barrier layer. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The drinking spout (200) is positioned above the opening of the main body (300) of the container. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The drinking spout (200) is positioned on the part of the container body (300) that is suitable for easy opening. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. The drinking spout (200) is positioned on the inner surface of the main body portion (310) opposite the base portion (210), and further comprises an anchor portion (290) connected to the base portion. A container (100) for injectable food according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A drinking spout suitable for use in a container for refillable food according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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